With challenges looming large over the Kannada film industry, actress Dhanya Ramkumar believes that audiences hold the key to its revival. “There have been some exceptional films, but for whatever reason, not many are connecting with audiences. It feels like the industry and the audience are not on the same page. That gap needs to be bridged,” she says. Excerpts from a chat with the actress, in which she touches upon the industry’s need to adapt to global trends, the double-edged sword that is social media and more…
‘It’s our film industry — yours and mine’The film industry needs to cater to what people want, and audiences need to support good cinema by coming to theatres. It’s our industry — yours and mine — and we all have a role to play. The power to change things lies with you. It’s time to step up, show your support to films by going to theatres. And as a film industry, we’ve got to meet the audience halfway, find out what they want to watch and make that for them.
‘The film industry needs to keep up with global trends’Film industry standards are constantly evolving. We can’t afford to be complacent; we need to keep up with global trends. We can’t keep saying, “These are the kind of films we make here.” We need to adapt and match national and international standards. Fortunately, we have the talent — skilled filmmakers, technicians, and actors — to create world-class cinema. The challenge lies in bringing everything together at the right time. Time is of the essence.
‘Since my family is also part of the film industry, it can be tough to completely separate work and personal life’I believe I maintain a good balance between my personal and professional life. There’s a clear separation between the two. While I have a few close friends in the industry, most of my industry contacts are acquaintances. I’m cordial with everyone, but ultimately, work is work. Of course, since my family is also part of the industry, maintaining a strict separation between work and personal life isn’t always possible. Growing up in a film family, movies were a constant topic of conversation. However, our discussions go beyond just films and work.
‘Social media is a game changer, but you can’t ignore the negative aspects’Social media is both a boon and a bane. But for me, it’s been a game-changer in terms of connecting with my fans. It’s impossible to imagine reaching my audience without it. Sharing updates and engaging with them directly is so much faster and easier than traditional methods. However, the platform can also be a breeding ground for negativity. It’s so easy for people to just send you a bad message and ruin your day, and today we are seeing, first hand, how doing such things can have such horrible consequences. Words have consequences – think before you type.
‘Fan culture is deeply ingrained in South Indian cinema’Fan culture is definitely a defining characteristic of South Indian cinema, with fans idolising their favourite stars. I think I’ve witnessed it firsthand, from my grandfather’s (Rajkumar) generation to Appu mama’s (Puneeth Rajkumar). At least in my experience though, there have always been clear boundaries. However, I can’t speak for everyone or every situation.
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